Former West Brom Black Country derby goal star: Go and make yourself a hero

Goal hero Kevin Phillips has urged Albion players to write their names into club folklore in Sunday’s Black Country derby at Molineux.

Former marksman Phillips, 53, netted four times in the fixture and nine in his career against Wolves - his second favourite opposition for goals.

The Baggies promotion hero knows making your mark in such a fixture can secure a lasting legacy with a club and wants to see Albion players grasp the opportunity at Molineux in the eagerly-anticipated clash on Sunday lunchtime.

Phillips told the Express & Star: “People ask ‘do I miss football?’ These are the games that you miss. These derbies, going toe-to-toe, they’re fantastic.

“In these games there’s always the opportunity for someone to stand up and become a hero, become a legend of that football club.

“If you score a winning goal in these derbies, then it goes a long, long way for the rest of your career.”

The former Hawthorns top scorer - who was given a frosty Wolves reception in the recent 2-2 draw with Birmingham at St Andrew’s - added: “It looks like Wolves might’ve found a bit of form. They've got good players. West Brom have started like a house on fire.

“Hopefully it will be a spectacular game. Having been a part of it, the atmosphere is going to be off the scale. It'll be interesting to see how both sets of players handle it.

“There'll be a lot of players who've never played in this fixture and it will be such a great experience for them.”

Albion starlet Jimmy-Jay Morgan, 20, is Baggies’ five-goal top scorer and was given a breather by boss James Morrison - Phillips’ former team-mate - heading into Sunday’s clash.

Phillips added of Morgan: “He came in with a bit of pressure and expectation but got off to a flyer in pre-season and has taken it into the league.

“Yes (he will be relishing it), I’m 100 per cent sure he and young team-mates will be looking forward to it.

“He looks like he's just a natural goalscorer, he gets into some really good positions. He's going to be a threat for Wolves at the weekend.

“You give him half-a-chance or sniff around that box - he'll score. They're going to have to be very aware of him.”